The field of quantum information science and technology (QIST) essentially combines aspects of physics, mathematics, and classical computing to use quantum mechanics to solve complex problems much faster than classical computing and to transmit information in an unhackable manner. 

Research with quantum computing and quantum networks is taking place around the world in the hopes of developing a Quantum Internet in the future. A Quantum Internet would be a network of quantum computers, sensors, and communication devices that will create, process, and transmit quantum states and entanglement and is anticipated to enhance society’s internet system and provide certain services and securities that the current internet does not have. 

While the vision of a quantum internet system is growing and the field has seen a surge in interest from researchers and the public at large, accompanied by a steep increase in the capital invested, an actual quantum internet prototype has not been built. The key hurdle to achieve the potential of making communication networks more secure, measurement systems more precise, and algorithms for certain scientific analyses more powerful relies on developing systems capable of bringing quantum information and entanglement across many nodes and over long distances. These systems are called quantum repeaters and are one of the more complex challenges in current physics research. 

Our research program focuses on advancing the development of an interconnected network of quantum repeaters and devices, aimed at creating a quantum internet. Situated at the frontier of atomic physics, quantum optics, and QIST, our experimental approach explores the interaction between single photons and atomic-based quantum communication technologies. 
From warm vapor quantum memories to cold atom optical quantum gates, we investigate techniques and physical processes crucial for effectively linking diverse quantum devices. Our primary goal is to enable reliable quantum communication over substantial distances, essential for the realization of a scalable quantum internet infrastructure.